Rangers Prospects Make List, Other News and Notes

By Evan Andriopoulos

August 15th, 2002

The listing of the top 100 NHL drafted players list was recently released and it features such Rangers prospects as Jamie Lundmark, Fedor Tjutin and Garth Murray. The list compiled by McKeenshockey.com shows the top Rangers prospect at #19 Fedor Tjutin out of Guelph(OHL). The big defender has been moving quickly on the radar screens of the NHL and his development likely lead to the deal that sent former top minor/junior prospect Filip Novak to Florida in the Pavel Bure deal.

At #73 Garth Murray the banging winger and 2002-03 long shot has surpassed former top Rangers prospect Jamie Lundmark who falls to #87. Lundmark spent the 2001-02 season at Hartford in the American League and is looking to make the Rangers club as either the no.4 center or a wing. Murray out of Regina(WHL) is also looking to earn a spot on the Rangers as a wing and will be in veterans camp in September. Absent from the list are notably Mike Mottau(Hartford) and collegian Pat Aufiero.

Prospect Roman Lyashenko signed with the Rangers along with Tom Poti. Lyashenko notted 2 goals after being acquired from Dallas along with Martin Rucinsky for Manny Malhotra and Barrett Heisten. Lyashenko has a great deal of talent but is currently positionless as the Rangers veteran roster has little room for a regular shift winger or centerman. Poti will jump into the no2 or 3 unit and will get quite a bit of Power Play time.